Specimen Wood Tea Caddy with Perspective Cube and Vandyke Parquetry

Specimen-wood tea caddy with canted lid, the top set with a large panel of perspective cube (tumbling-block) parquetry within a geometric border and dark veneered surround. The sides are arranged with elongated light and dark triangular parquetry in vandyke pattern between line-inlaid bands, above darker veneer to the lower body. The interior has two lidded tea compartments with brass knobs, framed by boxwood edging, and retains an early green paper lining to the lid. Working lock and key, raised on four cast lion-paw feet. English, circa 1820.

Perspective cube parquetry (often termed “mosaic” work in the early nineteenth century) and vandyke parquetry were among the most characteristic decorative treatments employed by Tunbridge ware makers during the Regency period. Brian Austen notes that perspective cube work entered Tunbridge ware around 1800 and was frequently paired with vandyke borders composed of alternating light and dark timbers.¹

Height: 5.5 in. (14 cm.)
Width: 8.5 in. (22 cm.)
Depth: 5.25 in. (13 cm.)

¹ Brian Austen, Tunbridge Ware and Related European Decorative Woodwares, 3rd ed. (Woodbridge: Antique Collectors' Club, 2001), pp. 54–59.